Emily Ortner Oppenheim Graubard

Graubard, Emily Ortner Oppenheim, an opera singer, music educator, arts advocate, community volunteer extraordinaire and co-founder of the Hollywood Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, died peacefully at her home in Hollywood, FL on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. She was 85. The cause of her death was heart failure. Mrs. Graubard, an opera contralto, was born in Vienna and studied in Europe at the Academy of Music in Vienna and at Lucerne Staatsteater. Her father, Dr. Moritz Oppenheim, was a world-renowned dermatologist and professor at The University of Vienna and later at the Chicago Medical School. After moving to the United States, Mrs. Graubard sang in Chicago's Civic Opera, as well as on WGN radio's "Chicago Theater on the Air," hosted by the famous Colonel McCormick. She was thoroughly versed in major and minor roles in twenty five operas and, among other appearances, she sang at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera in NY, and Tanglewood. After moving to Hollywood with her physician husband, Dr. Louis Graubard, and daughter, Katherine, she became one of the city's foremost champions of the arts. Because of her lifelong devotion to community service in Hollywood, she was honored in 2003 by the City of Hollywood with a proclamation, "A Day in Recognition of Emily Ortner Oppenheim Graubard." Mrs. Graubard taught voice, breathing and German language at Nova University, Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic University and Baer School. In 1959, she co-founded the Hollywood Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. She held lifetime memberships in the Florida Teaching Association and Kiwanis Club, was a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and of Little Flower Church. She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Bang and son-in-law Axel Bang of Bedford Hills, NY and her sister, Ridi Kolb of New York City. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Broward Humane Society, the Hollywood Philharmonic or "Save the Met Broadcast," Attn: Eric Bernard, Lincoln Center, NY, NY 10023. Interment in Chicago, IL. Local arrangements by Panciera Memorial Home, Hollywood, FL.